This past Sunday was November 14 and we at St. John’s gathered together in the church hall following Divine Liturgy for a Thanksgiving Fest. All the foods were lovingly and carefully prepared by Mat. Lana and her family and our parishioners. The menu included delicious dishes from many countries. We gratefully thank Father Maryan, Mat. Lana and their wonderful family for all the planning and preparation that was needed for this great event. We also thank all those who took time from their busy lives to help set up the tables and, following the dinner, it was amazing how fast clean up was because there were so many hands to help.

When Thanksgiving comes on Thursday, November 25th, most of us will share the day in our homes with our families and friends. Yesterday we shared Thanksgiving with family and friends also, however at that meal, we were together with our church family. Here at St. John’s we are blessed with a group of compassionate and friendly parishioners who make up our church family. We cry together in sadness, we laugh at our funny times, we are caring and generous in our contributions and, most importantly, we pray together during services at church. It is now Advent, the spiritual preparation for the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our prayers for each other and for others will now focus on the coming of our Lord and Savior so we can together sing with joy and understanding: “God is With Us! Understand all ye nations, and submit yourselves, for God is with us!”

Pictures of our Thanksgiving Fest are in the Photo Gallery.